The value of unborn babies hearing traditional Māori instruments played to them will be among topics covered at Pou Rangatira, a wānanga for pāpa korero (discussion), at the Memorial Park Pavillion on Saturday, from 9.30am till 2.30pm.

The kōrero, aimed at “expectant fathers”, is to be led by experienced facilitators Douglas and Te Rina Joseph, a husband-and-wife team that shares mātauranga Māori, knowledge, around the birthing realm.  

“Dougie will cover a wide range of topics, among which will be making and playing some of the taonga puoro (singing treasures), which can be heard by pēpi still in the womb,” Ōpōtiki midwife Lisa Kelly said.

“Science tells us babies can hear music and sounds while in the womb, starting as early as 16 weeks into pregnancy, and that they can react to sounds and even after birth prefer music they heard then.

“However, Māori have known this for centuries. Dougie would show men how to make taonga puoro as a means of calming the pregnant mother and the baby, who can feel, sense and hear these instruments.”

She said the kōauau was a traditional Māori flute, often used for entertainment and healing.

The porotiti was a spinning disc that created a humming sound when played. It made a unique rhythm and sound used as a healing aid.  

The spinning motion generated ultrasonic sounds and vibrations, oro, believed to have various benefits such as bringing peace and calm, shifting energy and moving the waters around the baby.  

Also, the topic of oriori would be explored.

“Oriori is considered more than just a lullaby in Māori culture. While it can soothe a child to sleep, it also serves to impart knowledge about whakapapa (family history), place names, the child’s origins and lineage.

“Oriori are a way of passing down values and knowledge about te ao Māori through oral tradition.

“Babies can hear from inside the womb and when it’s the dad who’s singing the oriori, they’ll begin to recognise his voice.

“Dougie’s passion is to help men through anything they are going through emotionally. It’s not just mums who can get post-natal depression.

“Many men want to help their partners during pregnancy, but don’t know how to go about it. Sometimes they also don’t know how to connect with their baby.

“Consequently, some back away and become less hands-on, when they could be growing nearer and more supportive.

“Helping by doing housework is great, but there’s more to it than that.

“There’s a whole realm of emotional support during pregnancy. This is a mystery to many men, but Doug is an expert in explaining what’s needed.

“Expecting pāpa are welcome to the wānanga, bring a cousin, son, nephew, uncle or koro with you.”